Jason Carter to run for governor of Georgia

Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, announced on Thursday that he will run for governor in 2014.

Jason Carter, 38, will challenge current Gov. Nathan Deal.

The gubernatorial hopeful said Thursday in a phone interview with the Associated Press that the state can't wait to start addressing an education system he says is on the brink and an economy that's not working for the middle class.

Jason Carter currently represents the 42nd District in the Georgia State Senate.

"My record in the Senate speaks for itself," Jason Carter said during his announcement. "We fought for Georgia at its best there. That's the Georgia we'll fight for as governor."

Political experts said Jason Carter's ties to his grandfather will help him network and raise money.

"I would expect that, at some point, there would be some type of media ad where Jason Carter talks about the lessons that he learned at his grandfather's knee and how he hopes to take that spirit and transform that into a 21st century vision of change," said Associate Professor Andra Gillespie, who teaches political science at Emory University.

Former President Jimmy Carter released this statement after the announcement:

"Rosalynn and I are very excited about Jason's announcement. We believe that Jason has done great things for Georgians through his service in the State Senate and volunteer work throughout the state. Georgia faces serious challenges ahead and would greatly benefit from a smart and fresh leader focused on improving our schools, creating opportunities for a more prosperous middle class, and restoring a sense of trust and transparency back to state government. We are proud that he's running and look forward to what's ahead."

When he's not representing the state, Jason Carter is a lawyer at Bondurant Mixson & Elmore in Atlanta.

Jason Carter also serves on the boards of several charitable and public interest organizations including Hands On Atlanta, the DeKalb Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, and the Georgia Afterschool Investment Council. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Carter Center and recently joined the Emory University Board of Visitors.